J. R. Spencer Druggist, Newport, ME

J.R. Spencer bottle, Newport Druggist

Check out this rare old embossed pharmacy bottle. Dating to the period from ca 1890 to1903, this fancy custom bottle was from druggist J. R. Spencer of Newport, ME. (See the listing here.)

This antique embossed cork-top bottle is faintly marked on the bottom “S B W CO” (from the Saltsburg Bottle Works Company of Pa).

J R Spencer was a leading druggist in Newport, Maine at the beginning of the 1900's. (There was at least one other pharmacist in Newport at that time. More information is here.)

J.R. Spencer's Druggist was a prolific user of advertising. His claims in 1901:

1901 advertisement for J R Spencer Druggist of Newport, ME

By 1902, his claims were more outrageous:

Partial label

"Spencer’s Headache Powders.The only one that cures with no bad effects which contains no opiates. J. R. Spencer, Prescription Druggist, 14 Mill St. Newport, Me."

"TAKE Spencer’s Vegetable Blood Purifier for that Tired Feeling Rheumatism, Kidney Diseases, and all diseases arising from an imperfect state of the blood."

In 1902, the business traded places with the barber shop and moved across the street. By 1904, a stationer's business was added.

After that, the online curtain draws closed on Mr. Spencer.

Salzberg Bottle Works mark circa 1900

Which type of Sauer's extract bottle is this?

1920's Sauer's Extract bottle for sale

This estate auction find is listed on Etsy. It looks to be from circa the 1920's. The side seams go up to the lip. It is marked on the bottom with "AGW 5."

American Glass Works began in 1908. This big glass company was owned by none other than C.F. Sauer, the proprietor of the extract company... Check out the details available about the many Sauer's bottle types! They evidently used older/cheaper methods to make their own bottles, including this one.

Some had a packer finish, and a ring finish,

This bottle measures nearly 6" tall. It has a sunken back panel. The closest is Type IV. But this type should not have a number with the initials on the bottom. And this one has what looks like an oval on the bottom, which is not supposed to be there either...

So you be the judge. There are plenty of fins including the side seams (it seems to me at least).

Glass Marks with Oval